Carter Paul Nowak! Powitanie!

Congratulations to Cousin Joe Nowak (Aunt Ev Ircink's 2nd youngest son) and his wife, Ashley, on the birth of their first-born - my 2nd cousin - Carter Paul Ircink. "Powitanie" is Polish (as is "Nowak") for "welcome". Cheers!

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Welcome to Wisconsin, Chuck & Mavis Ircink!

 

Chuck & Mavis are spending a few days in Wisconsin before they head back to Spokane. Chuck's father, my great Uncle Paul, was my Grampa Ircink's brother. Chuck's brother Paul - and his wife Lavonda - came out to visit in May.

Chuck & Paul grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Washington State when my Uncle Paul was transferred during high school (or immediately afterwards) with NAPA Auto Parts. Wonderful people (and their children, our 3rd cousins, are just as great). Course - they're Ircink's so what did you expect?

 

First cousins - Chuck & Dad.

Brother Jas (far right) and I with Mavis & Chuck over at the Schroedl's in Greendale.

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A Salute on Veteran's Day.

My cousin, Mark, serving in Iraq. I salute you! Thank you for your service to our country. Come home soon.

Love,

Jeff

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#9 - "Grace Notes from a Bohemian in Wanderlust." The Washington State Ircink's.

One of the coolest things about my visit to Seattle in May was that I got reacquainted with some (there's 9) of my 3rd cousins. Above, that's David Ircink, below, Phillip Ircink. They're brothers. Their father and uncle - Chuck and Paul - are my dad's 1st cousins. Their father - Paul (my Grandpa Ircink's brother) - moved the family out to Spokane just before the boys were to enter college.

Lisa and I met David for drinks after my show performed and we caught up on what it's like to be one of very few "Ircink's" on the planet. He also regaled us of his adventure that day on the high seas - he's a tugboat captain - and makes regular runs from Seattle to Anchorage.

I met Phil and his two daughters for lunch near Lisa's house. We also caught up on what it's like being an "Ircink" and laughed about our parents and old times. Funny thing is - I haven't seen Phil or David since we were little kids. But you'd never have known that.

I hope to meet up with the 7 remaining Ircink cousins, as well as see Chuck and Paul real soon. Truthfully, it ain't bad being an Ircink...and it's even better when you another meet one. And as my Grandpa Ircink always said, "Ircink...a good name never dies."

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My cousin is off to war.

2nd Lt. Mark Weigel will be heading off to Iraq pretty quick-like. I want my cousin to come back safely. I want his two boys to see their father again. May God be with you, Mark. Be careful and I'll see you when I see you. Love, Jeff

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Separated at Birth? Cousin Gerry and Wisconsin Lumberjack Man.

The guy on the top is my 2nd cousin Gerry (my dad's 1st cousin) - master hunter, outdoorsman, custom jeweler, bronze sculpture and airbrush paint artist...and a helluva funny guy. And he's my cousin and I love him dearly. This picture was taken last winter while he, my brother and my Uncle Fran (he and Gerry are the same age and grew up together) went bow hunting for pheasants.

The guy on the bottom is an 1890's Wisconsin lumberjack taken from the banner at the top of my blog. See it? Far right. Tell me Gerry doesn't look like this dude - or that the dude doesn't look like Gerry.

Or maybe I've just imbibed in too much holiday egg nog. Merry Christmas, Gerry & Jan! I pray that your bullets - and slings and arrows - fly true. And a Happy New Year!

(Support your local NRA.)

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